life as mission - clover...

Life as Mission Pastor Tim Erickson

The power of God’s word is that it keeps challenging us to fresh convictions about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus; as well as what it means to be a disciple making church. In the past week, two training opportunities have been used by the Lord to refresh my understanding of our mission. Pastor Neil and I shared a rich training opportunity at our EFCA Theological Conference last week. The topic was “The Doctrine of the Church: The Embodiment of the Gospel”. One pastor-theologian, Greg Waybright, focused on the church as a missional community, using the theology of the gospel of Mark. Jesus models “life as mission”. He enters into relationships with people who are broken by sin – the wrong kind of person in the wrong place for self-respecting righteous people to be (Mark 7:24-30). No one else had ever done this. But he doesn’t leave them (us) there. At some point in the relationship there is a call to follow Jesus as Lord. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Grace is free, but it’s not cheap. Jesus is inviting us to be change agents and change is usually uncomfortable at best. Thus we also need to walk with people who are leaving behind their past – who sometimes even have to choose between friends and family or Christ. “There is no one who has left home or [family]…or fields for me and the gospel who will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… (and with them persecutions)…” (Mark. 10:29-30). It’s not easy to become a follower of Jesus, but that’s why God made us, his church. The second opportunity was the practical teaching and training led by missionary Ed Pollasch this past Sunday (Jan. 24). At end of his Sunday message, he questioned us about whether we envision “Life with Mission” or “Life as Mission.” Afterwards he met with our new Missions Leadership Team to help us begin to define terms. He helped us to see that, as a church, we don’t just want to focus on missions, but we want to become a missional church. To be “missional” means that we have an awareness of being on mission; i.e. to view life and church as mission. Being missional is both a mindset and a lifestyle. So what are the practical implications of life as mission? First, as in 2 Kings 5, we are invited to watch for signs that God is orchestrating details in the lives of people around us, like He was in Naaman’s life. Second, when that happens, we have a mindset that believes God will use us as everyday missionaries in their lives, so that they can be rescued by God’s saving work through Jesus Christ. Finally, as Jesus did, we enter into messy and complicated relationships so that we can walk with people who are seeking to live new lives as disciples of Jesus.

“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”

February 2016

“Grow” Pastor Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making

Since I came to Bible EFC two and half years ago, one of the primary questions we have been asking is, “How do we best grow 4C

disciples?” I am convinced that the church family is essential for every Christian to continue to grow as a follower of Jesus. Within

the church, we have to create space for deep relationships to develop where God’s Word can be central, people can be known, feel

safe to be themselves, and real life can be addressed. The small group is an attractive model because it places us in pockets of

community that are not so large that we can shrink back, and yet they are also big enough to create a sense of community where we

benefit from seeing God work in other’s lives.

Last fall we did a church wide sign up for small groups for the first time. We recruited and began meeting with leaders and we were

able to launch seven new groups, in addition to four groups that developed on their own. Many of the small groups met and discussed

the Bible Life Cards, which helped to deepen the impact of Sunday’s sermon. Other groups met and studied topics from a biblical

perspective. At the end of the fall, we saw that about 108 people participated regularly in a small group (weekly or bi-weekly), many

of whom continued when groups restarted in January. This January, five new groups started, and more people were able to connect in

powerful Word-centered relationships. Below you will see a list of groups and what they are studying. Most have started and would

be difficult to jump into right now, but there are a few I will list that you could still try if you would like to get a taste of what small

groups are like. Read through and see some of the things happening regularly to grow followers of Jesus at Bible EFC:

Carole Erickson’s group meets Tuesday evenings: This is a group of women that meet for deep discipleship, and use the Bible Life

Cards as a platform to deeply invest in each other’s lives.

Levi & Angie Frost’s group meets Thursday evenings: This is a group of young couples that is using the financial peace concepts.

Steve Ewers’ group meets on Wednesday nights: This is a group of men that meet for accountability and prayer. Right now they are

doing an overview of the Bible.

Jason Strike’s group meets Saturday mornings: These men meet for accountability and prayer.

Neil & Erika Nelson’s group meets on Saturday nights: This is a group of families, most of whom live southeast of Tomah. They are

studying a book on spiritual gifts

Randi Anderson’s group meets on Sunday nights: This is an intergenerational group of women, who are using a book to study

spiritual gifts.

Mark Schack’s group meets Thursday evenings: This is a group of couples who are currently studying spiritual gifts

Robert & Kelly Joyce’s group meet on Sunday Nights: This is a group of couples that is currently studying spiritual gifts

Kim Collins’ group meets Wednesday mornings: This is an intergenerational group of women that is currently studying Luke’s gospel

Paul & Sue Gasser’s group meets Monday evenings: This is a group for couples who are working through the Art of Marriage small

group material.

Curt & Wendy Patterson’s group meets Monday evenings: This is a group of couples that are working through a book on Spiritual

gifts.

The following groups are more open and would be a great place to jump in if you are interested in trying a small group:

Becky Robertson’s group meets Friday mornings: This is an intergenerational group of women, who are working through a study on

Spiritual gifts. Children are welcome, but will be the responsibility of the parent.

Pastor Tim and Carole’s group meets Wednesday evenings: This is an intergenerational group that meets during AWANA. They are

currently studying spiritual gifts. This is a great opportunity for those with children as there are opportunities for every age group

with the AWANA program.

Nick Kaufmann’s group meets Sunday mornings: This is an intergenerational group that is continuing to look at serious questions

every person should answer regarding end of life issues. They are currently working through various important documents that help

prepare family and loved ones for difficult end of life questions

Owls2 meet Wednesday mornings: This is for our Older, Wiser, Loving Senior Saints. They meet each week for fellowship, coffee and

treats. They are seniors at heart– no age restrictions.

Craig and Val Smith will meet on Sundays starting February 21st: This group will be using Dave Ramsey’s financial Peace small

group material. This is a great study on how to handle finances, and is open to all ages.

As you can see from the list, there is no one shape for a small group, but each group takes seriously life as followers of Jesus.

If you are interested in checking out a group this spring, see those last few groups mentioned. Be sure to look for the small group sign

ups next fall in August. We are also praying for God to raise up people for other groups we would love to see started next fall; such

as intergenerational small groups, twenty-something small groups, and single adult small groups. These are just of a few different

opportunities we would love to see for people to grow in their walk with Jesus. If you would like to know more about groups, talk to

me for more information, as we truly desire to see our entire church family in a group where the can grow deeply as followers of

Jesus. If right now does not feel like the right time for you to jump into a small group, be sure to check out these connection

opportunities in the meantime: our great Adult Bible Fellowships on Sunday morning at 9:15 and 10:30, our neighborhood ministry

events, and men’s outdoor ministry events. This summer we will have a great many connection opportunities for the entire family.

Our desire is that Bible EFC will not be just a place where people attend, but a community of people following Jesus. We see these

first few steps in small group ministry as an exciting opportunity for God to grow us all as His disciples.

Small Group Updates or Announcements...

Financial Peace

Financial Peace has

been rescheduled. It

is not too late to

join! The new start

date will be Sunday,

February 21st after

the third service.

Contact Val/Craig

Smith or Pastor Neil

for more information.

Women’s Group:

Want to connect and

make new friends? Join

Becky Robertson’s

small group in the

Snack Schack, Fridays

at 9am sharp. They will

be starting a study that

will compliment Pastor

Tim’s sermons on

Spiritual Gifts. Contact

Becky with

questions-343.3583

Looking for something on Sunday

mornings?

We have two Adult class options available. At 9:15 our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) meets in the Patio

Room. They are currently studying a Right Now Media series on Acts 29.

At our 10:30 service the Adult gathering meets in the Patio Room as well! They are currently doing a

study about Spiritual gifts. It goes along with a book that is available if you’d be interested!

Wednesday Morning

Owls2

Come join the OWLS2

(Older, Wiser, Loving Senior

Saints) each Wednesday at

10:00am in the Dining

Room for coffee and

treats, fellowship, a brief

devotion and prayer.

We are seniors but young

at heart, no age

restrictions.

OUTDOOR

MINISTRY

Men’s Breakfast Gathering!!

Meet in the Snack Shack the 2nd Sunday of the

month for informal breakfast and

fellowship.

Contact Pastor Neil with questions 608.343.5101

[email protected]

Happening at Bible EFC...

MEN! Mark your Calendar to be part of the No Regrets 2016 Simulcast

Bible Evangelical Free Church along with Gloria Dei

Lutheran Church, Lighthouse Assembly of God, Faith

Evangelical Free & New Life Assembly of God

625 W. Veterans Tomah, WI 54660

Just $30 per ticket, $35 at the door - Lunch included

REGISTER ONLINE AT https://befc-noregrets.eventbrite.com

8:30AM-4:00PM

Save the date: Our baptism service is

set for June 19th

Wondering about cancellations?

Keep an eye on WXOW, WKBT and Facebook regarding any church cancellations

Happening at Bible EFC...

Offering envelopes are available for pick up at the Connection Point! Swing by to grab your box today!!!

Looking for more information?

Would you like to stay up date with what is going

on at Bible EFC?

Did you know that our website has our Bible LIFE

Cards, bulletins and newsletters on it? You can al-

so listen to our sermons online!!

Check out our Website, Like us on Facebook or sign up

to be on the General E-mail list!!

There are multiple ways to stay in touch!! Contact the

office with questions!

Bible L.I.F.E. Challenge

Prayerfully invite, or accept an invitation to begin a “Bible L.I.F.E. Relationship”.

Together make a commitment with one, two, or three other people to regularly interact and

challenge one another with Scripture.

The results will be real growth together as disciples of Jesus Christ as God provides you

the Spiritual encouragement you need!

Coming Soon to a webpage near you!!

Keep an eye out for Bible EFC’s new webpage!!

A new feature will include online offering!!

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting upgrade!!

Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades)

Opportunities to connect:

Sunday Mornings Youth Sunday School—9:15am and 10:30am Middle School and High School students are invited to join at either class hour, coming together to study The Word and life application.

Sunday Nights Ignite Youth Group—6:00-8:00pm Join us to develop a sense of community within our Youth group and beyond our church walls, helping and supporting one another!

For questions or more information

please call or text Pastor Joel at 387-2131 or

MaryBeth

at 608-372-9377

On Thursday Feb. 18th we will

be joining other youth groups in

the area for a Tubing Party!

Whitetail Ridge (Ft. McCoy)

from 6pm-10pm. There will be

a Speaker, FOOD & FUN! Cost

will be $10.00.

Ignite Schedule Feb. 7: “Big Game” here 4:00-till ? Feb. 14: Ignite here Feb. 18: Tubing (Fort McCoy) Feb. 21: Ignite here Feb. 28: Breakaway

High Schoolers: Get ready...

CHALLENGE CONFERENCE is coming...

Where: Louisville, KY

When: July 2-8, 2016

Cost: $450.00

Fundraising will cover most of the cost.

Deposit of $100.00 (non-refundable)

Due Feb. 21st.

If you have questions please call Joel 387-2131.

DO THINGS WITH passion OR NOT AT All

We will be looking for volunteers & donations for the Easter

Breakfast, we will need cooks, servers, prep help, and

clean-up crew. More information to follow.

Children’s Ministry

Looking forward to an extraordinary day!

We are excited to offer a day of fun and respite in

appreciation of our Extraordinary families and our

Extraordinary teachers!!

Feb. 27 at Bible EFC 10:00-10:30 Snacks and sharing

10:30-1:30 Parents/Teachers respite time!!

Children and siblings will stay at Bible EFC

with volunteers while parents and teachers

enjoy time to… well, that’s up to you!! Enjoy!!

You’re invited to a party! Saturday, February 20

We’re celebrating all the awesome kids with December, January, and

February birthdays. Bring your family and friends to the church from

1:00 pm—3:00 pm for cupcakes and games for everyone and prizes for the

birthday kids.!

Hope to see you there!

VBS meeting coming up!

It takes a lot of work and preparation, so it’s never too early to start planning!

If you’ve ever been part, or have considered being a part of the VBS core team, join us here on Tuesday, February 23,

at 6:00. We will share ideas, brainstorm, and essentially change lives! Hope to see you there!

February

3rd - Regular Club Night

10th - Regular Club Night



March

2nd - Regular Club Night, 3/4th way through: Sparks @ Green Jewel 3:2,

T&T @ Discovery/Challenge 6:7 or 42 sections


16th - Pajama Night - Get comfy and come dressed for bed!

23rd - Roller skating at Flying Wheels - Family, Friends, All Church invited


T&T Bible Quiz & Awana Games March 5th @ Menomoniee Alliance Church, Menomoniee, WI

Bible Quizzing @ 10am

Awana Games @ 1pm

Car pooling available

2nd grade Sparks invited to participate on Awana Games team.

Contact Sue Bannan 427-2253 for information or questions.

So much to look forward to!

Questions and comments related to Children’s Minis-

try are welcome

and should be directed to:

Krishna Battista, Children’s Ministry Director

Cell: 608-343-3282

Email: [email protected]

4K THROUGH 5TH GRADE - ELEMENTARY MINISTRIES

Nursery: Angie Frost Nursery: Marge Staller 4K Lead: Dawn Spence Lead: Krishna Battista

2's: Michelle Sayer 2's: Dalton Staller 4K Asst: Jim Spence Lead: Rhonda Hunkins

Floater: Jocelyn Battista Floater: Tricia Battista K/1st Lead: Lenna Chaffee Helper: LadinaWhitegull

K/1st Asst: Helper:

Preschool: Aimee Yeager Preschool: Charissa Finn 2nd/3rd Lead: Naomi Reimann Preteen: Steve Ewers- Classroom

Preschool: Marissa Finn Preschool: Stacy Frost 2nd/3rd Asst: Darlene Wahls

4th/5th Lead: Kelly Joyce- Sanctuary Lead: Brianna Battista

4th/5th Asst: LeighAnne Puent Assistant: Sarah Gnewikow

Nursery: Jeanne Plunkett Nursery: Elizabeth Antes 4K Lead: Sharon Seely Lead: Krishna Battista

2's: Diana Retzlaff 2's: Erica Champlin 4K Asst: Ben Bannan Lead: Rhonda Hunkins

Floater: Tricia Battista Floater: Nathan Puent K/1st Lead: Lenna Chaffee Helper:

K/1st Asst: John Battista 4th/5th: Nikki Renaud-Sanctuary

Preschool: Kelly Sutherland Preschool: Rashelle Hintz 2nd/3rd Lead: Kim Amerman Helper: Jason Renaud

Preschool: Cody Sutherland Preschool: Philip Puent 2nd/3rd Asst: EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

4th/5th Lead: Kelly Joyce- Classroom Leaving Lead: Brianna Battista

4th/5th Asst: Jami Vitcenda early Assistant: Mandy Brieske

Nursery: Ben Spence Nursery: Elizabeth Antes 4K Lead: Dawn Spence Lead: Krishna Battista

2's: Micki Spence 2's: Tiffany Hammer 4K Asst: Jim Spence Lead: Rhonda Hunkins

Floater: Jocelyn Battista Floater: Tricia Battista K/1st Lead: Lenna Chaffee Helper: Myriah Coughlin

K/1st Asst: Helper:

Preschool: Kelly Sutherland Preschool: Angel Eagleson 2nd/3rd Lead: Naomi Reimann 4th/5th: Steve Ewers-Classroom

Preschool: Cody Sutherland Preschool: 2nd/3rd Asst: Darlene Wahls

4th/5th Lead: Kelly Joyce- Sanctuary Lead: Brianna Battista

4th/5th Asst: LeighAnne Puent Assistant: LuAnn Tautges

Nursery: Courtney Poppler Nursery: 4K Lead: Sharon Seely Lead: Krishna Battista

2's: Autumn Garrels 2's: Tricia Battista 4K Asst: Ben Bannan Lead: Rhonda Hunkins

Floater: Nathaniel Witherow Floater: Nathan Puent K/1st Lead: Lenna Chaffee Helper:

Helper: K/1st Asst: John Battista 4th/5th: Nikki Renaud-Sanctuary

Preschool: Rashelle Hintz 2nd/3rd Lead: Kim Amerman Helper: Jason Renaud

Preschool: Amy Matteson Preschool: Philip Puent 2nd/3rd Asst: Sue Bannan

Preschool: Chad Matteson 4th/5th Lead: Kelly Joyce- Classroom Lead: Brianna Battista

4th/5th Asst: Jami Vitcenda Assistant: Lisa Reavis

Febru

ary

14

Febru

ary

28

EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

Febru

ary

21


EARLY CHILDHOOD 9:00AM EARLY CHILDHOOD 10:30AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00AM PRAYZE CRAZE 10:30AM


EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES


Febru

ary

7



mailto:[email protected]

Offering Attendants: Feb 7– Amy Georgeson

Feb 14– Deidre Nauman

Feb 21– Curt Patterson

Feb 28– Jim Retzlaff

If you have questions about Bible EFC finances,

Contact Tandy Houston, Treasurer 372-9028

Sherri Shack, Financial Secretary 343-6429

Financial Ministry

Financial Report

For the period: July 1, 2015 through Jan 15, 2016

General Offering: $ 294,047.34

Budget Goal: 286,768.46

Expenses paid: $ 286,651.00

Checkbook Balance as of Dec 15 2015: $ 37,720.92

Money Market Balance Dec 15, 2015: $ 6,061.53

For more information or to volunteer, contact:

Levi Frost 608-387-9293

[email protected] Usher Schedule:

February 2016 Bible EFC Schedules

Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28

7:45 Service

Ron Nicks

Craig Budde

George Lovold

Terry Christen

Jim Spence

Ben Spence

Tim Garrels

Mark Schack

9:15 Service

Paul Kastner

HS Student

Ron Johns

HS Student

Curt Nauman

HS Student

Cliff Collins

HS Student

10:30 Service

Josh Eagleson

Levi Frost

Todd Linenberg

Service Opportunity

Jim Retzlaff

Jeff Brieske

Jason Strike

Kevin Dechant

Connection Point Schedule

7-Feb Main Door

Preschool Door

A.C. Door Floater Connection Point Hospitality

7:15-7:45

Shawn Klinker

Darlene Wahls Wendy Vann Gary Klinker 7:00-7:45

8:45-9:15

Shawn Klinker

Amber Weiland

Walt Weiland Darlene Wahls Wendy Vann Brian

Rasmussen 8:45-10:30

10:15-10:30

Curt Reavis Amber

Weiland Walt Weiland Kelly Haye

11:45-12:00

Curt Reavis Carole Erickson Kelly Haye

14-Feb Main Door

Preschool Door


7:15-7:45

Mary Lovold

John Battista Charissa Finn Jack Christen 7:00-7:45

8:45-9:15

Steve Ew-ers

John Battista

Autumn Garrels Whitney Sanjari Bev Kastner Brian


10:15-10:30

Steve Ewers

Linda Garber

Jim Garber Whitney Sanjari Laureen McFarlin

11:45-12:00

Carole Erickson

Linda Garber

Jim Garber Nathan

Jungmeyer Laureen McFarlin

21-Feb Main Door

Preschool Door


7:15-7:45

Wendy Vann

Cindy Best Carol Lauer Pastor Neil 7:00-7:45

8:45-9:15

Wendy Vann

Rose Dublin John Battista Cindy Best Carol Lauer Brian


10:15-10:30

Jessica Prindiville

Rose Dublin Nathan

Jungmeyer Wendy Patterson

11:45-12:00

Jessica Prindiville

Nathan Jungmeyer

Wendy Patterson

28-Feb Main Door

Preschool Door


7:15-7:45

Whitney Sanjari

Carol Lauer Charissa Finn Jack Christen 7:00-7:45

8:45-9:15

Paul Kast-ner

John Battista

Whitney Sanjari Carol Lauer Bev Kastner Brian


10:15-10:30

Paul Kast-ner

Curt Reavis Nathan

Jungmeyer Bev Kastner

11:45-12:00

Curt Reavis Carole Erickson Nathan

Jungmeyer Charissa Finn

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

1 2 3 10:00am OWLS2

5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana

4 5

6 8:30am Men’s No Regrets Conference

7 7 am Elder Prayer Time Ignite at Bible EFC (The “Big” Game)

8

9

10 10:00am OWLS2

4:00 pm Elder Mtg 5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana

11

12 13

14 Ignite at Bible EFC

15

16 17 10:00am OWLS2

5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana

18 19

20 Children’s Ministry Birthday Bash

21

Ignite - at Bible EFC

22

23 6 pm Core VBS Planning Group Mtg

24 10:00am OWLS2

5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana–

25

26

27 Extraordinary Day

28 No-Ignite (Breakaway)

29

Sunday Morning Schedule Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am Prayze Craze 10:30am Nursery (ages 0-1): 9:15 & 10:30am (ages 4K to 5th Grade-Activity Center) Sunday School (ages 2 yrs to 5th grade) 9:00am Extraordinary Classroom 10:30am (ages 4K-5th Grade meet in Café) Youth Sunday School (MS and HS) 10:30am Youth Sunday School (MS and HS): 9:15am Adult Gathering in Patio Room 10:30am Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) in Patio Room 9:00am

February 2016 Bible EFC Calendar

625 W Veterans St

Tomah, WI 54660

Phone: 608-372-9377

Fax: 608-372-9372

E-mail: [email protected]

www.BibleEFC.org

Bible Evangelical Free Church

Connecting People with Jesus and Others

February

2016 MINISTERS Every Believer

Senior Pastor Tim Erickson [email protected]

Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making Neil Nelson [email protected]

Associate Pastor Student Ministries Joel Sandager [email protected]

Children’s Ministry Director Krishna Battista [email protected]

Worship Times:

SUNDAY MORNINGS:

Sanctuary Worship 7:45am 9:15am - Video sermon 10:30am

The Board reviewed the financial update dated 11/11/15

Pastor Tim provided the board an update on his Sr. Pastor’s Report

Elder Retreat dates

Potential agenda items for the retreat

Reviewed the last meeting with Bridgepoint

Reviewed the future opportunity to complete a church assessment

Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting: Elder Retreat: January 29-30th 2016.

ELDERS: Leading through prayer, mission, vision & strategic leadership! Questions ~ contact Frank Best, Elder Chair 343-5521.

Elder Meeting Highlights from November 11: 2015

If you would like to be added to the Email Prayer Chain to receive

urgent Prayer Requests, please provide your email address

and/or request to the Church Office at [email protected].

life as mission - clover...

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